In English:

On excursion in Las Palmas

To know better Canary Islands we attended the excursion, which showed northern parts of the island. On the tour saw Bandama Caldera, Botanical garden, Dedo de Dios in Puerto de Nieve and coffee plantation.

First, we drove along the winding roads to the Bandama caldera. Its measures are spectacular, because it is 569 meters / 1.867 feet above sea level, wide 1000 meters / 3300 feet and 200 meters / 700 feet deep. The view around was so enjoyable that when leaving from there, we had wistful mind. When I worked in Las Palmas 1969, there was a story about the man who lived in Bandama caldera. I was interested if there is somebody living at the bottom of caldera yet today and I did find from Internet, that the last and unique person who lived at the bottom of Bandama Caldera was Agustín Hernández. He moved to there with his family. Later his family left Bandama, but Agustín stayed there. It sounds incredible, but he lived the 69 years. For those who loves hiking, there is 2 km / 1.2 mi long path, leading to the bottom of Bandama caldera.

Next, our excursion headed to the Canary Islands Botanical Garden. The garden is large, because its area is approximately 27 acres (11 hectares). This meant to us, that we visited to the area where are cacti and palm trees.

Next, we drove to Puerto de las Nieves (harbor of snow). We dined at the restaurant with the same as the village. Puerto de las Nieves is a small village and from there is a catamaran connection to Tenerife which lasts 80 minutes. Puerto de las Nieves is known for its sea stack El Dedo de Dios (God’s finger). November 18, 2005 strong Tropical Storm collapsed it. Sigh.

Finally, we headed for a coffee plantation. Plantation was surrounded by high and steep slopes, which meant that there was microclimate, which offered a great opportunity to grow coffee, bananas, oranges and grapes. Thus, it was natural that the vine made from grapes were for sale and we the opportunity to taste many kind of wines with different cheeses. Excellent vines.

Here is Wikipedia story about our flag. Because You were interested in these colors, I will make an exception and present a song (there are many versions, best has been seen 1 112 730 times) called sininen and valkoinen, in English blue and white. Because this popular song is in Finnish, You must read translation first before listening this song.

Thank you for taking us along with you as you toured this beautiful island. The cacti in the botanical garden is fascinating. I also enjoyed the view of the coffee plantation tucked into a valley between the peaks. This is a very interesting tour.

It is exciting me to “follow” you on your journey to the Canary Islands. I love all the photos, but especially the happy dog 🙂 And so many birds there too. Also I congratulate you and your country on your Indepedence!

Muito interessante. I think that I have heard the name Teresópolis when I visited in Penedo which called a “Pequena Finlandia” and Rio. Foi surpreendente semelhante. Fico super feliz que você gostou das minhas fotos! Obrigado.

Great that you allow us to discover more and very different areas of the island of Gran Canaria. The view at its capital Las Palmas as well as the impressing Bandama Caldera, the beach, (former) God’s Fnger, Puerto de las Nieves as well as coffee plantation and botanical garden! These cacti and succulents are giants! Wow!
Thanks for part 3 – and at this occasion I also would like to wish you (and Finland) a rather nice centenary!
Michèle

What an impressive glimpse into a place I know so little about. It looks beautiful, and makes me wish I were 20 years younger – I likely would love to visit. Thanks for the great pictures and words. M 🙂

Thanks for letting me know about your new post.I so much enjoyed your stunning photos everywhere around and especially the ones taken in the Botanical Gardens with the huge cacti and the wonderful palm trees.El Dedo de Dios signs are interresting too;overall,it was a great travel experience.Happy Day of Idependence,dear Matti 🙂

The botanical gardens are beautiful! I never enjoyed them as a child, but as an adult, I’ve come to appreciate them. It’s fascinating the different types of pants that grow and thrive in various locations. The coffee plantation is very interesting. How neat that they also grow wine grapes!

Thank you for the lovely photos! I hope you had a nice independence day!

I enjoyed seeing the photos from the Botanical Gardens. When I travel to visit another place, I seek out the botanical gardens. I am also impressed that you write your blog in multiple languages. Beautiful pictures.